Final answer:
Ocular foreign bodies that are not removed can lead to complications such as subconjunctival hemorrhage, corneal ulcer, keratitis, retinal detachment, and optic neuritis, each with its own severity and potential for long-term damage, including vision loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
Possible complications of ocular foreign bodies that are not removed can include a range of serious issues depending on the location and nature of the foreign body within the eye. These complications can escalate if the foreign body causes a breach in the protective structures of the eye or introduces infection.
Some of the complications that can arise from an ocular foreign body include subconjunctival hemorrhage, where blood collects underneath the conjunctiva causing redness and possible discomfort, although it generally resolves on its own. More severe complications may include a corneal ulcer, which is an open sore on the cornea that can lead to scarring and potentially impair vision. If an infection sets in due to the foreign body or subsequent ulcer, it can lead to further problems such as keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea causing pain, reduced vision, and light sensitivity. Other longer-term and severe consequences could be retinal detachment, where the retina at the back of the eye is pulled away from its normal position, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not promptly treated. Although not directly caused by the foreign body itself, optic neuritis, which is inflammation of the optic nerve, may be secondary to severe and spreading infection or inflammation.